MLS audience jumps 38% for MLS Cup Playoffs across ESPN and ESPN2

Buoyed by the increased interest in watching MLS games because of the Columbus Crew controversy, ESPN’s audience for the 2017 MLS Cup Playoffs is up 38 percent entering this weekend’s MLS Cup Final. The seven playoff matches on ESPN and ESPN2 to date have delivered an average audience of 343,000 viewers, according to Nielsen, up from 249,000 viewers for the six playoff matches in 2016. It is ESPN’s most-viewed MLS Cup Playoffs since 2014 (344,000 viewers).

Five of the seven matches on ESPN networks were the most-viewed MLS Cup Playoff games on national television in 2017, led by first leg of the Eastern Conference Championship – Columbus Crew SC vs. New York City FC – on Tuesday, Oct. 31. That match averaged 426,000 viewers.